baitcast reels

[love2fish93]

I have picked a rod/reel combo but I have never used a baitcast reel. Is it ahrd to learn or should I look for a more familiar spinning combo.

[RyGuy525]

take it in your back yard and play with it. It will take a little while to get used to it but once you figure it out you will buy 3 or 4 more:evilsmile

[loweboats]

Dont cast into the wind unless you are throwing a heavier bait. There is usually a tension knob that will put tension on your spool to prevent free spooling. And as a beginner, keep your thumb on the spool until you are comfortable....they are a ton of fun! Good luck!

[slfairless]

I've fished spinning reels my whole life then a few years ago I finally broke down and picked up my first bait caster. It quickly became a favorite and I've added a few more since. I usually fish a nice mix of a couple bait cast and a coule spinning depending mostly on lure type and presentation.

I agree, take it in the back yard and play around and make sure you set a tight brake until you start to feel more comfortable with it.

[dryflyguy]

I agree that bait casters are the way to go but..... In bait casters, unlike spinning reels, spending an few extra bucks makes a big difference. I had a cheap quantum reel and thought it was OK, just for heavy spoons and large baits for Pike. I got a new Shamano (sp) on a 7' team diawa rod for my birthday and WOW... What a difference> I can cast an unweighted wacky styl rigged worm as far as I can with my spinning reels. Just a thought.

Have fun, for sure go into the back yard, start with a heavier weight and work your way down. Watch the free spool once the weight hits the ground and dont try to cast to hard.

[MJL094]

In my oppinion you need both in your arsenal, depending on what you are going to be fishing for and what your going to be fishing with. Baitcasters take some time and practice. I would suggest putting on cheap line for your first spool as your probably going to birdnest the heck out of it and end up tearing it back off anyway. From personal experience I have found that it is a little easier to control braided line on baitcasters than mono. Also, make sure you match the rod length and power to what your going to be fishing with. If you have too heavy or too light of a rod for what your throwing you will backlash almost everytime. One you get it down you can pinpoint your casts in any condition. Good Luck!

[fbuckner]

I love my baitcasters. It takes time and some line to learn the proper way to cast them. I still have and use my first one a Shimano Bantam with a magnetic anti backlash control on it and a couple Zebco Quantums that I have never had an issue with at all. Of course set one up for flipping jigs and worms under docks. Dont be afraid to make that rod sing when you cast if you limpwrist it you will regret it with a huge birds nest.

[sfw1960]

Spool them with AT LEAST 30# power pro and it will make it easier to get out a back lash when it happens.

You keep at it and you'll wonder WHY you have spinning rigs!

:lol:

[waterfoul]

Spool them with AT LEAST 30# power pro and it will make it easier to get out a back lash when it happens.

You keep at it and you'll wonder WHY you have spinning rigs!

:lol:

SENKOS!! LOL!! :lol:

[jampg]

All great points here. I personally went to baitcasting so I could use braided line. I like the smaller diameter line. I use 20# and still can fish for perch or musky with it. I love it.

[DaveW731]

Tons of old threads on the forum, offering advice about casting technique, different lines, etc. Do a search on the word "baitcaster" and it will be like having your own encyclopedia. I never hit the water without at least 2 of my 4 baitcasters. Usually only take one spinning pole.